Product and method for treating joint disorders in vertebrates

Abstract

A compound and method of using such compound is disclosed that, when administered to an animal, is capable of arresting the inflammatory response in affected tissues and facilitates the repair and maintenance of damaged tissues in the joints of vertebrates. The combination of natural physiological metabolites and herbal phytochemicals is used to treat connective tissue diseases, the composition preferably orally administered. One embodiment of the composition includes chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine that, when ingested by a vertebrate, suppresses the degradation of connective tissue by an autoimmune response. A preferred composition of the present invention includes a palatability agent, an herbal phytochemical, and a metabolic precursor that synergistically acts to increase blood circulation, thereby enhancing transport of the phytochemical and metabolic precursors to an affected site whereby deleterious inflammatory byproducts are removed.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A composition for the treatment of arthritis, joint stiffness, joint mobility and joint pain in vertebrates, based on 25 pounds of body weight, comprising from about 2 to 55 mg of cayenne, from about 50 to 220 mg of ginger, from about 50 to 400 mg of turmeric, from about 400 to 3000 mg of yucca, from about 200 to 2000 mg of Devil's Claw, from about 100 to 750 mg of nettle leaf, from about 20 to 500 mg of black cohosh, from about 100 to 800 mg of alfalfa, from about 20 to 400 mg of celery seeds, from about 50 to 2000 mg of D-glucosamine HC1: and from about 50 to 2000 mg of mucopolysaccharides. 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the vertebrate is selected from the group consisting of a dog, a horse and a cat. 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition has a flavor desirable to the vertebrate to be treated. 
     
     
       4. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition diminishes the oxidative effect of free radicals in joints. 
     
     
       5. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition diminishes the degradation of synovial fluid hyaluronin in joints. 
     
     
       6. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition suppresses the immune response of said vertebrate.